Constellis Holdings, LLC has announced the appointment of Daniel Gelston as its new Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.
In a planned transition, the outgoing CEO, Terry Ryan, will take on the role of Executive Vice Chairman, continuing his engagement with the company by reporting to the Board of Directors.
This leadership shift is designed to maintain business continuity while propelling Constellis into its next phase of growth, driven by technological advancements.
Focus on Technology-Driven Transformation
Michael Lundin, Lead Director of the Board, remarked, "After a global search for the right individual to lead us into the future, the Board of Directors is pleased to name Daniel Gelston as Constellis' next CEO." Lundin highlighted Gelston's vast leadership experience and expertise in defense, security, and AI-driven solutions as key assets that align with the organization's mission to support both government and private sector clients.
Gelston's strategic leadership is expected to accelerate the organization's transformation by advancing technology usage and data integrity, as well as leveraging artificial intelligence to address emerging global challenges effectively.
Role and Responsibilities
As CEO, Gelston will integrate predictive analytics and AI insights into the company’s core servicesAs CEO, Gelston is tasked with integrating emerging technologies like predictive analytics and AI-based insights into the company's core service offerings. By treating data as a strategic resource, Constellis aims to transition from a reactive approach to security to a proactive model that emphasizes tech-enabled preventative measures.
This strategic evolution is intended to enhance human performance and provide substantial value to national security, critical infrastructure, and enterprise-level missions.
Unlocking New Opportunities
"I am honored to lead Constellis at this pivotal moment and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me," commented Dan Gelston. He observed that the organization is uniquely positioned at the forefront of adopting adaptive technology to bolster security and safety for clients worldwide.
Gelston emphasized the company's dedication to supporting customer success by expediting informed decision-making and delivering comprehensive, AI-driven solutions. He looks forward to working closely with the skilled team and valued customers to address emerging threats and capitalize on new growth opportunities.
About Daniel Gelston
Daniel Gelston joins Constellis with an impressive history of promoting innovation and transformational growth within the defense and federal sectors. Most recently, he spearheaded the establishment and expansion of the government business at C3 AI, securing significant contracts against major competitors in AI-driven mission solutions for various federal markets.
Before that, Gelston held key positions at CAE USA Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Smiths Detection, and Cobham, consistently driving operational excellence and strategic initiatives across the defense industry.
Ensuring Seamless Leadership Transition
Michael Lundin further noted the contribution of Terry Ryan in establishing a robust foundation for Constellis' current success. Lundin expressed confidence that Ryan's role as Executive Vice Chairman will facilitate a smooth transition towards a more tech-focused future while maintaining the company's commitment to mission excellence.
Terry Ryan stated his pride in the achievements made during his tenure and expressed confidence in Gelston's leadership to guide Constellis into its new chapter. Reinforcing safety, innovation, and mission success will continue to be the company's hallmark as it navigates the rapid pace of industry changes.
Constellis Holdings, LLC ("Constellis") announced Daniel Gelston has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Terry Ryan, will transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman, reporting to the Board of Directors.
This planned leadership change ensures business continuity while accelerating the organization's next phase of technology-led growth.
Accelerate transformation
"After a global search for the right individual to lead us into the future, the Board of Directors is pleased to name Daniel Gelston as Constellis' next CEO," said Michael Lundin, the Board's Lead Director.
"Dan brings a unique combination of enterprise-level leadership, deep defense and security expertise gained through military service and private company leadership, and expertise in AI and data-driven solutions. Together, these strengths align perfectly with our critical mission supporting government and private sector customers. His strategic leadership will accelerate Constellis' transformation as we sharpen our focus to advance technology, data integrity, and leverage artificial intelligence to better serve customers and to anticipate evolving global challenges."
Role and responsibility
As CEO, Mr. Gelston will spearhead a strategic shift to integrate emerging technologies, specifically predictive analytics and AI-enabled operational insights into Constellis' core service delivery. By leveraging data as a strategic asset, the company aims to move beyond reactive security into a proactive model of tech-enabled prevention.
This evolution optimizes human performance, and delivers measurable value across national security, critical infrastructure, and enterprise missions.
Unlock new opportunities
"I am honored to lead Constellis at this pivotal moment and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me," said Dan Gelston.
"This organization stands at the forefront of adaptive technology to enhance security and safety for national and global organizations. We are committed to enabling customer success by accelerating informed decision making, embedding AI innovation, and delivering integrated solutions. I look forward to collaborating with our experienced personnel and valued customers to outpace emerging threats and unlock new opportunities for impact and growth."
About Daniel Gelston
Mr. Gelston joins Constellis with a proven record of driving transformational growth and innovation in the defense and federal sectors. He recently launched and scaled the government business at C3 AI. As the C3 Federal Systems President, he secured major wins against top competitors in AI-driven mission solutions across the Defense, Intelligence Community, Federal Law Enforcement and Federal Civilian markets.
Prior to that, Gelston served as Group President for Defense & Security and CEO of CAE USA Inc., leading the global training and simulation enterprise through a successful turnaround and executing the company's largest acquisition in its history. His leadership experience spans major defense companies including L3Harris Technologies, Smiths Detection, and Cobham, consistently delivering operational excellence and strategic impact.
CEO transition and leadership continuity
"As we enter this new chapter, we appreciate Terry's steadfast leadership in setting the stage for our current position," said Lundin. "His support as Executive Vice Chairman will ensure that as we pivot toward a more technical future, we remain grounded in the mission excellence our customers expect."
With the planned transition, Terry Ryan moves to Executive Vice Chairman where he will serve as a strategic advisor on key business initiatives and market opportunities. He and the Board of Directors will work closely with Mr. Gelston to ensure a seamless transition that reinforces stability for customers and employees.
"I am proud of what we have achieved and confident that Dan is the right leader to guide Constellis into its next chapter," said Terry Ryan. "Our commitment to safety, innovation, and mission success will remain our trademark and channel to achieve success amid the accelerating pace of change."
